An adjournment debate is simply a way in the Commons of having a general debate without requiring the House to vote.

At sittings in Westminster Hall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one-and-a-half hour debates and three half-hour debates. The one-and-a-half hour debates are intended to be more general involving a number of MPs.

Each government department is available to respond to debates only every other week, according to a rota.